Definition

Noun: - A type of nonpasserine bird characterized by having long wings and weak feet; it spends a significant portion of its time in flight.

Usage

The term "apodiform bird" is a scientific or zoological classification. It is used to categorize and describe a specific order of birds based on shared anatomical and behavioral traits, primarily their adaptation for sustained flight.

Examples

• The hummingbird, a common apodiform bird, can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping its wings.
• Swifts are apodiform birds known for their incredible speed and almost entirely aerial lifestyle.
• One key feature of an apodiform bird is its small, weak legs, which are not suited for walking or perching like those of other birds.

Advanced Usage

• In ornithological studies, the order is divided into families such as (swifts) and (hummingbirds). An apodiform bird belongs to this taxonomic order.
• The name "apodiform" derives from Greek roots meaning "without feet," which is a reference to the birds' seemingly small and feeble feet, an adaptation for their aerial life.

Variants and Related Words

• Apodiformes (n): The scientific order name that includes all apodiform birds.
• Swift (n): A common type of apodiform bird.
• Hummingbird (n): Another common type of apodiform bird.

Synonyms

• Swift-like bird (informal description)
• Aerial bird (descriptive term emphasizing behavior)

Different Meanings

The word "apodiform bird" has a single, specific zoological meaning. It does not have other common definitions or metaphorical uses in everyday language.

Noun

1. nonpasserine bird having long wings and weak feet; spends much of its time in flight